If you’ve been dealing with the Everlight PT334-6B in your designs, you probably know it pretty well by now. It’s that solid 5mm phototransistor that’s been around forever, great for picking up IR light in all sorts of setups. But lately, things have gotten tricky – stock running low, prices jumping up, or just worrying about whether the next batch will show up on time. Sound familiar?
That’s where a good Everlight PT334-6B cross reference comes in handy. We’ve seen a bunch of engineers and procurement folks scratching their heads over this exact issue. And honestly, switching to something like the Beephoton PTCP001-202 from Fotón abeja has turned out to be a real lifesaver for a lot of them.
Let me walk you through why this makes sense, especially if you’re building optical switches or similar stuff. We’ll look at the specs side by side, talk about real-world use, and cover the cost and supply side of things. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture if this PT334-6B replacement fits your needs.
What Makes the Everlight PT334-6B So Popular (And Why People Are Looking for Alternatives)
The PT334-6B has been a go-to for years. It’s an NPN silicon phototransistor in a 5mm black epoxy package, peaks at around 940nm wavelength, and handles collector-emitter voltage up to 30V with a max current of 20mA. Dark current stays low at 100nA max, and response times are typically 15 microseconds for rise and fall.
It’s everywhere in optical switches – think slot-type interrupters where an IR LED shines through a gap and the phototransistor catches it (or doesn’t when something blocks the beam). Common in encoders, counters, printers, even simple proximity sensors.
But here’s the rub: global semiconductor shortages hit hard from 2021 onward, and even into 2025, supply chains are still shaky for some parts. Reports from places like Deloitte and S&P Global pointed out how demand spiked while production lagged, causing delays across optoelectronics. Prices for established parts like the PT334-6B went up, and lead times stretched out. If you’re sourcing in volume, that hurts.
That’s when folks start hunting for an optical switch sensor replacement that’s drop-in compatible but comes from a more reliable or cost-effective phototransistor supplier.
Meet the Beephoton PTCP001-202: A Solid PT334-6B Replacement
Over at Bee Photon, we’ve developed the PTCP001-202 specifically with parts like the Everlight in mind. It’s from our PTCP series, an NPN silicon phototransistor tuned for 800-1100nm wavelength range – right where the PT334-6B operates best, with strong sensitivity around 940nm too.
The package is plastic with a black resin window, similar lens setup for focusing light. It’s designed to be functionally pin-to-pin compatible in most circuits, meaning you shouldn’t need to redo your PCB layout. Collector-emitter breakdown handles similar loads, dark current maxes at 100nA (tested at VCE=20V), and overall response keeps things snappy for switching applications.
Check out the full details on our product page: Beephoton PTCP001-202 phototransistor.
Why did we make this? Simple – customers kept asking for alternatives that wouldn’t mess up their tested designs but would ease the supply headaches.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Everlight PT334-6B vs Beephoton PTCP001-202
To make it easy, here’s a quick table pulling from official datasheets and our specs. (Everlight data comes from their standard PT334-6B datasheet; ours from internal testing and product listings.)
| Parameter | Everlight PT334-6B | Beephoton PTCP001-202 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package Type | 5mm radial (T-1 3/4), black epoxy | Plastic with black resin window | Similar light focusing lens |
| Peak Sensitivity Wavelength | 940 nm | 800-1100nm range (strong at 940nm) | Broad overlap for IR LEDs |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO) | 30V max | Compatible (handles 20V+ testing) | Safe for most circuits |
| Collector Current (IC) | 20mA max | 20mA+ capable | No issues in standard use |
| Dark Current (Id) | 100nA max | 100nA max (at VCE=20V) | Equivalent low noise |
| Rise/Fall Time | ~15µs typical | Comparable fast response | Works in high-speed switching |
| Temperatura de funcionamiento | -25°C to +85°C | Similar wide range | Reliable in industrial setups |
| Lens Style | Black epoxy (daylight filter) | Black resin (similar filtering) | Reduces ambient light interference |
As you can see, it’s pretty much a match for the key stuff that matters in optical switches. We’ve had engineers drop it in and report no noticeable difference in detection distance or reliability.
(Note: It’s not always marketed as an SMD phototransistor with lens – the original PT334-6B is through-hole, but the lens and filtering are comparable. If you’re working with surface-mount, chat with us about variants.)
Why This Works Great as an Optical Switch Sensor Replacement
In optical switches, reliability is everything. You need consistent on/off switching when something passes through the beam – no false triggers from ambient light, quick response so you don’t miss fast-moving parts.
The Beephoton part shines here because of that wide spectral response and low dark current. Paired with a standard 940nm IR LED, it gives clean signals. We’ve tested it in slot interrupters, and the output saturation happens at similar light levels as the Everlight.
Plus, in real applications like rotary encoders or paper detection in office equipment, stability over temperature is crucial. Both parts handle that well, but with our supply chain based in stable production, you avoid those random stockouts.
Fototransistor de Si Serie PTCP PTCP001-202
Mejore sus soluciones de conmutación con este fototransistor NPN de 800-1100 nm. Perfecto para interruptores fotoeléctricos, ofrece una alta disipación de potencia de hasta 90 mW. Este fototransistor de silicio ofrece un rendimiento constante en entornos adversos de -40°C a +85°C.
The Real Benefits: Cost Savings and Supply Chain Peace of Mind
Let’s talk money and reliability – that’s usually why people look for a PT334-6B replacement in the first place.
Pricing on established brands can fluctuate a lot, especially post-shortage. We’ve positioned the PTCP001-202 as a more budget-friendly option without cutting corners on quality. Many customers see 20-40% savings depending on volume, which adds up quick in production runs.
On supply: As a direct cost-effective phototransistor supplier, Bee Photon keeps good stock levels and shorter lead times. No more waiting months or scrambling for allocations.
One anonymous case: An automation company was building conveyor sensors. They were hit with PT334-6B lead times stretching to 20+ weeks and prices up 50%. Switched to our part – pin-to-pin drop-in, no circuit changes needed. Production stayed on schedule, and they cut component costs enough to improve margins. Been using it for over a year now with zero field failures.
Another quick story: A printer manufacturer needed something for media detection. Similar issue – original part availability tanked. Our PTCP001-202 slotted right in, performed identically in tests, and they’ve reordered steadily since.
These aren’t rare – we’ve helped dozens shift over smoothly.
How Phototransistors Like These Fit Into Bigger Applications
Just to give context, optical switches using phototransistors pop up in tons of places: industrial automation (position sensing), consumer electronics (mouse scroll wheels), security (beam break alarms), even medical devices for non-contact counting.
The key requirements are usually: good rejection of visible light (hence the black lens), fast enough switching for the speed involved, and stable over time/temp. Both the Everlight and our Beephoton check those boxes.
If you’re designing something new or qualifying second sources, starting with a solid Everlight PT334-6B cross reference like this saves headaches down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
¿Es el Beephoton PTCP001-202 totalmente compatible pin a pin con el Everlight PT334-6B?
Yeah, in most standard circuits it’s a direct swap – same two-pin setup (collector and emitter), similar package dimensions for mounting. We’ve had great feedback on drop-in compatibility, but always test a sample in your exact setup to be sure.
¿El rendimiento será el mismo en mi conmutador óptico?
Según nuestras pruebas y los informes de los clientes, sí: el rango de detección, el tiempo de respuesta y los niveles de ruido son muy similares. La gama de longitudes de onda más amplia ofrece en realidad un poco más de flexibilidad con diferentes LED IR.
¿Puedo obtener muestras o un presupuesto rápidamente?
Por supuesto. Diríjase a nuestro página de contacto o por correo electrónico info@photo-detector.com. Tell us your volume and application, we’ll sort samples and pricing fast.
¿Y si necesito una versión SMD en lugar de un agujero pasante?
The PT334-6B is traditionally through-hole, but if you’re looking for surface-mount options with similar lens, let us know – we have other series that might fit.
How’s the quality control and reliability?
We run full testing on every batch, similar to big brands. Long-term customers report failure rates way below 100ppm.
Wrapping It Up: Ready to Make the Switch?
If supply issues or costs with the Everlight PT334-6B are bugging you, the Beephoton PTCP001-202 is worth a serious look. It’s a practical, compatible alternative that keeps your designs running smooth while saving money and stress.
Drop us a line at info@photo-detector.com or through the site – we’d love to chat about your project, send samples, or work up a quote. No pressure, just straight talk on whether this fits.
Thanks for reading – hope this helps sort out your next sourcing decision!
